Abstract
Burn injuries have been and remain a very significant source of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. As a country in this category, Ghana, is not exempted. Ghana has a population of 31 Million with only 21 Plastic Reconstructive and Burn surgeons. Moreover, the country can boast of only 3 major Burn centres. This notwithstanding the country in particular and Africa, in general, carries an extraordinary burden of Burn injuries with devastating consequences. Burn data from the 37 Military Hospital were analyzed from March 2018 to September 2019—a period of 18 months. In all, 217 burn cases were seen representing about 2.1% of all trauma and surgical cases. Our burn data analyzed the peculiarities of epidemiology, types of burn, the pattern of injuries, and the outcome of burn care at the 37 Military Hospital. Flame is emerging as the predominant cause of burns, most frequently occurring from the use of Liquid Petroleum Gas. In the pediatric population, however, the most frequent cause of burns is hot water burns. The mortality rate among the burn population was 1.8% (4 mortalities). This paper aims to point out management methods adopted by our unit which helped to improve burn outcomes and to reduce mortality.
Highlights
Ghana has a landmass of 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq·mi) [1]
This paper aims to point out management methods adopted by our unit which helped to improve burn outcomes and to reduce mortality
The inclusion criteria were all patients with burn wounds who presented to the Trauma Surgical Emergency Unit of the 37 Military Hospital
Summary
Ghana currently has only 21 Plastics and Burn surgeons. There are only 3 Burn Centres with the oldest unit less than 2 decades old. It was established through the assistance of Mr Jack Mustarde, (A Scottish Plastic Surgeon) who received an OBE for that work. Burn injuries impact negatively the quality of life of patients. Burns present situations of high economic burden for patients and their relatives. Burns undoubtedly continue to be a major problem especially in developing countries affecting all ages. Burn injuries may occur as a result of flames, electricity, chemicals, hot liquids, or contact with any hot object. Deforming scars and debilitating contracture, as well as death, are always possible complications from burn injuries. It is critical that efforts be placed at preventing burns along with having systems in place to adequately and appropriately manage burns when they occur
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